Salary for Senior-level / Expert AI Researcher during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert AI Researcher salary lies between USD 129,700 and USD 198,000 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Nov. 17, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert AI Researcher roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert AI Researcher job listings are Research, Machine Learning and Python. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Research | 63 jobs Machine Learning | 59 jobs Python | 53 jobs Computer Science | 42 jobs Engineering | 40 jobs NLP | 39 jobs PyTorch | 37 jobs LLMs | 35 jobs TensorFlow | 34 jobs Deep Learning | 33 jobs PhD | 28 jobs Generative modeling | 24 jobs Generative AI | 23 jobs ICML | 21 jobs NeurIPS | 20 jobs R | 19 jobs Computer Vision | 18 jobs ICLR | 18 jobs Privacy | 16 jobs Security | 15 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert AI Researcher roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert AI Researcher job listings are Career development, Conferences and Startup environment. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 57 jobs Conferences | 37 jobs Startup environment | 20 jobs Medical leave | 15 jobs Flex hours | 14 jobs Equity / stock options | 13 jobs Salary bonus | 11 jobs Parental leave | 10 jobs Health care | 10 jobs Flex vacation | 9 jobs Insurance | 8 jobs Competitive pay | 7 jobs Wellness | 5 jobs Team events | 5 jobs Signing bonus | 2 jobs Relocation support | 2 jobs 401(k) matching | 1 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 1 jobs Paid sabbatical | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level or Expert AI Researcher typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the largest part of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. In regions like North America and Western Europe, bonuses might range from 10% to 20% of the base salary. In contrast, in regions with emerging tech industries, bonuses might be less prevalent or lower in percentage. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in startups or large tech firms, providing long-term incentives aligned with company growth. Company size and industry also play a role; larger companies or those in high-demand sectors like finance or tech may offer more competitive packages.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median for this role, consider pursuing leadership positions such as AI Director or Chief AI Officer, which involve strategic decision-making and managing larger teams. Specializing in high-demand areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or AI ethics can also make you more valuable. Networking within industry circles and contributing to high-impact projects or publications can enhance your reputation and open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, negotiating skills are crucial; understanding your market value and effectively communicating your contributions can lead to better compensation packages.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level AI Researcher positions require at least a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, or Electrical Engineering. However, a Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles focused on research and development. The educational background should include a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and programming, with coursework or research experience in machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile. Certifications in machine learning and data science from recognized institutions like Coursera, edX, or professional organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) can be beneficial. Certifications in specific tools or platforms, such as TensorFlow Developer or AWS Certified Machine Learning, can also be advantageous, demonstrating proficiency in industry-standard technologies.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level AI Researcher is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in the field. This experience should include hands-on work with machine learning models, data analysis, and software development. Experience in leading projects, mentoring junior researchers, and publishing in reputable journals or conferences is highly valued. A track record of successful AI implementations or innovations can significantly bolster your candidacy.

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